I found this article by Alexa Kaczka extremely interesting.  This follows the pattern we’ve seen at Simon Eye Associates for years.  Someone has a visual issue, which they just learn to “live with” and they never get it checked out.  Often times they’ll come in when the problem is much more severe and could have been dealt with easily before.

Three-quarters of people who believe they have poor eyesight do not visit the optician to have their condition checked out, according to a new poll.  A survey carried out by Sight Care found that 75 per cent of people believe they have an issue with their eyesight which requires the attention of a professional but do not visit one, even though they suffer headaches as a result.  According to the poll, 45 percent of people would avoid wearing spectacles on a date and would instead opt for contact lenses or no optical aid, while 64 percent would not wear glasses on a night out.  Furthermore, 30 percent of people did not know where their nearest practice is, although 44 per cent said that they are happy with the service provided by their local independent optician.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Guess what? Summer is coming.  And that means sun.  Lots and lots of sun.  Make sure you protect yourself against sun damaged eyes.  This brief article by ContactLens.co.uk shows you exactly what I mean.

People who take precautions to protect their eyes during the spring and summer months will significantly reduce their chances of suffering from vision problems in later life, according to one expert.  Dr Elizabeth Baze, assistant professor of ophthalmology at BCM and deputy executive of the Eye Care Line at the Michael DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, said that sun damage is a major cause of long-term eye damage.  She pointed out that people who take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against the effects of the sun in the summer months, such as using sun block around the eyes, wearing hats and enhancing UV protection, will see the benefit.  “Ultraviolet light has certainly been linked to the development of macular degeneration, cataracts and other vision-loss problems. Practicing these measures can ensure for healthy fun in the sun,” Dr Baze said.

Her comments follow recent research carried out by Sight Care Group, which showed that many women are putting their eyesight at risk by not wearing glasses, because they fear spectacles will make them unattractive.

Before the sun really starts blasting your eyes, make sure you get a comprehensive eye exam from Simon Eye Associates.  An eye exam now can save you a lot of time and money later.  Eye exams can detect problems before they become an issue.  Call today 302-239-1933.

Protect Your Vision

Does reading in the dark damage your eyesight? Can eating carrots help to improve it? The College of Optometrists sheds light on some of the most common old wives’ tales

THERE are hundreds of health-related old wives’ tales and myths. In the age of the internet it can be very easy to research health conditions online and assume that the information you find is accurate, when this may not be the case. While some old wives’ tales may be grounded in truth, many are inaccurate and some could even damage your eyes.

Old wives’ tale: Reading in the dark or dim light will damage your eyes.

False – Reading in dim light or in the dark is highly unlikely to cause any permanent damage to your eyes, but it could cause eye strain which can be uncomfortable. Your eyes adjust to the light around them and your pupils enlarge in order to collect the most light. We are designed to see detail better in the light, as detail is imaged on the central area of the retina, which contains cone photoreceptors which need more light than the rod receptors in our peripheral retina. Although you will not harm yourself by reading in the dark, it is more difficult to see and may cause a headache.

Old wives’ tale: Contact lenses can get lost behind your eyes.

False – The membrane that covers the white of your eye (the conjunctiva) also lines your eyelids, so it is impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eyes.

Old wives’ tale: You can sleep in your contact lenses

True and false – Unless you have been told specifically by your optometrist that you can sleep in your contact lenses, you should avoid this. Your eyes need to breathe while wearing contact lenses, and this is more difficult when your eyes are closed. This – and the fact that when you are not blinking your contact lenses will not move on your eyes as much as when you are awake – can mean that you are at more risk of infection if you sleep in contact lenses. Always follow the guidelines given to you by your optometrist and if in doubt, take them out.

Old wives’ tale: Wearing someone else’s glasses may damage your eyes.

False – Although you may not be able to see very well with them and may get a headache or double vision, you won’t come to any harm from wearing glasses that are not your prescription (unless you’re driving a motor vehicle).

Old wives’ tale: Watching television too much or too closely will damage your eyes.

False – Watching too much television or sitting very close to it may make your eyes tired or give you a headache, particularly if you are watching in the dark when you are effectively looking at a moving light, like a torch. But it won’t cause any serious permanent damage.

Old wives’ tale: Exercising the eye muscles can allow you to throw away your glasses.

False – People normally need specs because of the shape and size of their eye. Exercises won’t help this.

Old wives’ tale: Not wearing your glasses will make you depend upon them less.

False – If you don’t wear your glasses you may become more accustomed to the blur and won’t remember how bad it is, and thereby think that your eyes have got better (when they haven’t).

Old wives’ tale: By looking at the patterns, colours and other characteristics of the iris you can tell what health problems a person has.

False – There is no scientific proof for this. However, when an optometrist carries out an eye examination they will not only test your sight, but will also check the health of your eyes and look for signs of some general health problems.

Old wives’ tale: Eating carrots will improve your eyesight.

Some truth – Carrots are a source of vitamin A, which is important for the eyes. However, before you embark on an all-carrot diet to improve your vision, note that it is more important for eye health to have a good balanced diet that supports your all-round health. Poor nutrition has been implicated in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Old wives’ tale: Using your eyes too much can wear them out.

False – They will last for your whole life if they are healthy (or have conditions that are treatable). The health of your eyes has nothing to do with the number of hours you use them.

Old wives’ tale: Holding books up close will damage a child’s eyes.

False – Where or how your child holds a book has no effect on the health of the eyes or the need for glasses.

Sometimes children find it more comfortable to read close-up and their very good focusing ability makes it easy for them to do so.

All content is copyright WalesOnline.co.uk

As the planet gets more crowded Simon Eye Associates looks for ways to be a responsible business.  Today I scoured the internet to find ways to recycle old eyeglasses.  And alas, I found a great article written by Greenopolis.  Enjoy!

I don’t know about you, but I’m one of the millions of people in the world that has worn eyeglasses since youth. I think it was genetic for me since everyone in my family has horrible eyesight, but I’m also guessing that those many mornings watching cartoons in front of the TV didn’t help my sight either.

I’ve owned at least 10 different pairs of eyeglasses in my lifetime, ranging from my first gigantor big pink plastic pair, to my current wanna-be hipster big brown plastic pair. Sadly, since I’m a packrat, I still have my last 4 pair of glasses. I know that many eyeglass locations recycle your old glasses, but I always seem to forget to bring my old pair when the new ones come in.  So I wanted to see what other eyeglass recycling options were out there for the absent-minded folks like me.

Here are 5 ways that you can finally get rid of those outdated eyeglasses!

1. Search online for a recycling center

Earth911.com has a great search engine for recyclables on its website. Click on the above image and type in the type of item you’d like to recycle, as well as your zip code. A list of recycling facilities will come up, and you can find a location that’s convenient for you.

2. Lions Club International

Ever heard of the Lions Club International? In 2009 the Lions Club collected almost 700,000 pairs of glasses to donate to developing nations with its program Lions Sight for Recycle.

3. New Eyes for the Needy

Founded in 1932, New Eyes for the Needy is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to provide good eyesight to the less fortunate.

4. Third World Eye Care Society Canada

Here’s the mission of the Canada-based charity organization TWECS: “To collect old unused eyeglasses and distribute these eyeglasses in conjunction with eye exams given by properly trained individuals. The distribution of eyeglasses shall be in developing countries where, because of poverty or lack of availability of eye care services, individuals are unable to obtain eyeglasses and primary eye care.”

5. Make ART!

If you just can’t get rid of your old eyeglasses for some weird sentimental reason, then you can always convert them into a creative piece of art. Take for example the recycled eyeglass Spectacle chandelier of London designer Stuart Haygarth It was made from over 1000 old eyeglasses that were linked together!

Now that you know what to do with your old eyeglasses, take a deep breath, grab them from your drawer or from that box in your closet, and recycle them for a good cause!

Old Eyeglasses

Q: At what age do you recommend someone starts using contact lenses?

A: For cosmetic purposes, Simon Eye Associates usually recommends contact lenses to those no younger than 12.  Wearing contact lenses is a responsibility.  There is work involved to keep them in proper order and that takes some maturity to do.  However, if there is a medical reason for contact lenses, we might be inclined to change our minds and recommend them to younger users.

Q: Are there any reasons why one wouldn’t be able to wear contact lenses?

A: Yes. Certain corneal conditions such as dry eye or history of infection are contraindications for contact lens wear. Certain work environments might not allow one to wear contact lenses.

Q: What types of contacts are available for me?

Rigid gas permeable (hard) and hydrogels (soft) are the two types of materials. There are contacts for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and those that require presbyopic correction (bifocals). There are also special contact lenses for those with irregular corneas (keratoconus, corneal transplants).

Q: What factors should people consider before deciding whether to get contacts? Or when deciding what type of contacts to get?

A: Factors to consider are:

• Responsibility to care and handle the contacts correctly.
• Can the contacts meet my visual demands?
• Environmental factors — Where I will be wearing them (dusty work environment, camping, etc.)?
• Is my eye healthy enough to wear contact lenses?

Q: How much work is involved with wearing contacts?

A: Care and handling only require a few minutes a day but are critical for maintaining healthy vision and eyes.

Contact Lenses

In this remarkable news story first brought to us by Karen Meyer of ABC news, one woman shows how a spirit for living and a passion for music can do wonders.

Macular degeneration has robbed a renowned concert pianist of her sight but not her ability to perform.  At 90 years old, Irene Alexander continues to perform around the city.  She says her piano is her rock.  At Friedman Place on Chicago’s North Side, residents in Irene Alexander’s building are being entertained with beautiful music. “I’m a classical pianist. When I could read music I could accompany anyone, a singer, a violinist, I could play show tunes. I love jazz, but I can’t play jazz,” Irene said.

Irene has been playing since she was 2 1/2 years old.  “It was right after I had polio; two weeks later I went to the piano after my mother played. We were back at my grandparents, and I walked to the piano and played what she did, and six months later I was in my first recital,” said Irene.  At the age of 6 Irene performed for Queen Marie of Romania, and later she performed for Rachmaninoff.  Irene has been legally blind for 20 years.  “I never had problems playing the piano, and now, the age that I am, I don’t have the stretch that I did to play octaves accurately,” she said. “And, see, my two fingers, so if I wanna hit the correct key, it’s a whole procedure, but it’s wonderful I’m still playing the piano.”  “I’ve had a very exciting life, some of it good, some of it not so good. I go to the piano, and that is me.”

At 90, Irene has no plans of slowing down.  “Oh, my life is just beginning. This is just a new life for me. I have the energy, I have the ability, I have the desire to do one thing, to help people.”

Irene Alexander: Making Beautiful Music

It is a beautiful day here in Wilmington, Delaware.  The sun is shining and there is just a slight breeze outside.  Tomorrow and this weekend are supposed to be even nicer.  With all this sun I know you’ll be breaking out your designer frames, ready for the fresh open air and sky.  And that’s good.  Besides looking good in your shades, you’ll also be blocking the Sun’s damaging UV rays.  But there’s more to be done.  At Simon Eye Associates, we have one recommendation for you.  Get your eyes checked now, rather than later.  Eye exams not only point out eyesight problems, but they can spot other health issues before they become a problem.

We want you to keep your eyes happy and healthy for the rest of your life.  And sure, maybe you don’t have a problem reading the newspaper in the morning, or that spreadsheet at work.  Good.  Eye exams will ensure that you never do have a problem.  Did you know that 50% of all cases of blindness or severe vision loss could have been prevented by early detection? Similarly, even if you have perfect vision, you are still at risk for developing glaucoma.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the US.

So before you pack your bags for the beach this weekend, remember to schedule your next eye exam.  This way you’ll be sure to enjoy all that there is to see this summer, with clear, beautiful vision.

Eye Exam - Simon Eye Associates

Many people are confused as to whether or not they are actually taking good care of their eyes.  What does that really mean? Well, now we’ve developed a short quiz to help you determine whether or not you know how to take care of your eyes and what you should be doing.  Take the following quiz and see how you do:

1. How often do you see your eye doctor for an eye exam?

1. Whenever I feel like it
2. When I can’t see as well as I could before
3. At least every two years
4. I don’t

2. Which food is the best source of Lutein, that incredibly eye-healthy nutrient

1. Kale
2. Potatoes
3. Carrots
4. McDonalds

3. Which of the following could damage your eyesight?

1. Staring at your computer screen all day
2. Smoking
3. Reading in dim light
4. Driving on the left side of the road

4. Which eye disease can cause 40% loss of sight before you even notice it?

1. Glaucoma
2. Cataracts
3. You’d notice anything wrong with your eyes
4. Pink eye

5. If you get an eye infection should you?

1. Go straight to the hospital or your eye doctor
2. Use natural, or organic eye drops
3. Just wait it out, it will get better
4. Have a nice cup of tea

6. You want new sunglasses. Do you?

1. Buy the cheapest pair
2. Get fake Gucci’s on eBay
3. Make sure you buy ones that have passed safety regulations
4. Spend as much as you possibly can to look the best

7. Which of these is a symptom of age related macular degeneration?

1. Pain
2. Loss of central vision
3. Loss of side vision
4. Forgetting to pick your grandchildren up from school

Here are the answers:

1. You should have your eyes checked at least every 2 years.

2. Green leafy, Kale is the best food to provide the nutrient Lutein, most needed by eyes to perform at their best.

3. If you smoke you’re up to 4 times more likely to develop age related macular degeneration.

4. Glaucoma has been called the sneak thief of sight. It sneaks up and gradually causes your vision to move inwards.

5. Go straight to your doctor or eye doctor.  Serious problems can be avoided by rapid action.

6. Always check the safety regulations before buying any sunglasses.  Buy a pair that blocks 100% of UV rays.

7. Loss of central vision is a sign of age related macular degeneration, which affects almost a third of the people above 75 years old.  It is a very tricky disease to detect and only your eye doctor can know for sure.

How did you score? How many questions did you get right?

1-2 You have probably been lucky to not get any serious eye diseases, or injuries.  But you should study up some more on eye health and learn how to take better care of your eyes.

3-4 You’re doing pretty well, but you also need to be a bit more diligent when it comes to the health of your eyes.  Check back on the answers you got wrong and read our other Simon Eye blogs for more useful data.

5-7 Congratulations! It looks like you’re doing very well and know your stuff.  Keep it up.  Knowledge is the first defense in the fight to keep our eyes healthy and happy.

Healthy Vision Longer

Ever wonder if there are any celebrities, or people in the media who have had LASIK surgery? I have.  And today I found at least one celebrity that has had the procedure done.  Cindy Crawford.  And she tells her story in a testimonial.

After learning about Lasik and hearing many other celebrities had undergone it, former supermodel Cindy Crawford found it the best option for her. Before the surgery she had to wear glasses while driving and had great difficulty inserting contact lenses. She decided to have the surgery performed by celebrity eye surgeon, Dr. Maloney.

Expressing her happiness and initial fear about her Lasik surgery, Cindy said in her testimonial: “I’d been considering corrective vision surgery since I’d heard about the procedure, but of course, I was very nervous about it. I heard about Dr. Maloney from my agent, who had his vision corrected with great results. I got up my courage and scheduled an appointment. They were very patient and explained all my options. The procedure was painless and I can see so much clearer now. It’s great to wake up in the middle of the night and watch television without my glasses, and, best of all, I can drive without glasses or contacts. I would recommend it to anyone”.

The benefits of Lasik? There are many, Cindy says in her testimonial video. First off, she doesn’t have to bother with annoying contact lenses, which she says, she had great difficulty putting in. She also claims she really enjoys not having to wear glasses anymore, and loves the little things, like being able to watch TV clearly from her bed.

Cindy is now enjoying her improved life with no hassles of wearing glasses and contact lenses.

Cindy Crawford

Whatever you do for a profession, whether you’re a carpenter, or a teacher, healthy vision is vital to your success.  The American Optometric Association says that on the job eye injury and strain is not only common, but cost billions in lost productivity each year.  These figures are startling considering that 90% of these workplace injuries could be prevented simply by wearing properly designed and fitted protective eyewear.

But worrying about something flying into your eyes is not the only thing you have to be worried about.  If you’re like the rest of America, you sit in front of a computer all day long, text on your Smart Phone, browse the web at home, etc.  You also need to protect your vision.  Computer Vision Syndrome is a relatively new word, which brings with it some painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as: dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision and loss of focus.

The below recommendations will go a long way to ensuring you have great vision for a very long time:

1. Give it a rest. Make sure you apply the 20-20-20 rule.  That is, for every 20 minutes at your computer, make sure you look away to a distance 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Increase the font size on your PDA. Most PDAs use tiny fonts that are very hard to see.

3. Make sure your monitor is set to the best resolution available.  This will offer greater clarity.  Also, adjust your monitors brightness to a level you feel is comfortable.

4. Look down.  The American Optometric Associates says that it’s easier for the eyes to focus on reading material that is below reading level.

And above all else, make sure you see your local Optometrist at least once a year to ensure your eyes are happy and healthy.

Computer Vision Syndrome